Learning
At our school, we teach the NSW curriculum and offer many different subjects to support each student’s learning. We know that development of skills in literacy and numeracy are the building blocks for learning and for everyday life. Our teachers use effective teaching strategies to help students achieve their goals.
What students learn
Students learn a wide range of subjects in the NSW curriculum. They build skills, think creatively and prepare for life beyond school.
The Special Religious Education (SRE) program is integrated into the school curriculum and is taught beneath the title, “Christian Studies”, by a trained teacher employed by an association of local Christian Churches. The churches responsible for establishing and maintaining the teaching position are the Anglican, Catholic, Uniting, Presbyterian, and Baptist churches as well as a small group of Pentecostal churches.
For more information, visit the department’s website or contact us.
At our school, we give the right support to help gifted learners to grow and do their best.
We notice these students early. They may learn quickly or show strong skills in creativity, leadership, problem solving or sport. We help them stay challenged with lessons and activities that match their strengths.
Learn more about how we support high potential and gifted learners.
Curriculum
In Years 7 and 8, all students benefit from the school’s broad curriculum across the key learning areas: English; Mathematics; Science; HSIE; PDHPE; Technical and Applied Sciences; Languages other than English; Creative and Performing Arts.
Classes in Year 7 and Year 8 are mixed ability except for the High Potential and Gifted Education (HPGE) classes which cater for the identified gifts and talents including: academic, creative, technology, sporting and leadership.
The library is an important part of school life with students encouraged to develop an interest in reading, as well as, to use the resources and information technology available.
Students in Year 7 are introduced to the eight key learning areas that they will study until Year 10.
Year 7 to Year 10 Courses
Years 7 to 10 focus on eight key learning areas:
- English
- Human Society and its Environment
- Languages
- Mathematics
- Personal Development, Health & Physical Education
- Science
- Creative Arts
- Technology
Within these key learning areas there are courses and elective subjects. Mandatory courses in Years 7-10 are studied by all students in NSW public schools and are set by the Board of Studies. Students also choose from a range of elective courses that we offer depending on teacher expertise and the number of students interested in that subject. Information on mandatory and elective courses is available in the Board of Studies syllabus course descriptions.
The School Certificate is no longer being awarded. Eligible students who leave school prior to receiving their Higher School Certificate will receive the NSW Record of School Achievement.
In Years 11 and 12 students study for the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
HSC Courses
There are two types of courses students can study:
- Board developed courses
These courses are set and externally examined by the Board of Studies, and may contribute to the calculation of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). These include courses in English, mathematics, science, technology, creative arts, personal development, health and physical education, human society and its environment, languages and Vocational Education and Training (VET) curriculum frameworks. Read a list of the subjects available with a description of each course on the Board of Studies website. - Board endorsed courses
These courses are developed by schools, TAFE institutes or universities. They count towards the HSC but do not count towards the calculation of an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR).
Vocational Education and Training Courses
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are either Board developed courses, which may contribute to the calculation of an ATAR, or Board endorsed courses.
VET courses give students work-related skills in a variety of industry areas. Students will receive a nationally recognised qualification when they complete their course.
Some VET courses are studied at school while others can be studied at TAFE institutes and other training providers. Many VET courses involve work placement.
Board developed VET courses are available in a number of industry curriculum frameworks, such as hospitality and information technology.
The school offers school delivered VET courses in Hospitality and Construction and a range of TAFE delivered VET courses. All students in Year 12 are allocated a special staff mentor to assist them with planning and study.
Choosing Subjects
CTHS offers a wide selection of courses for senior students from which students undertake a pattern of study and pathways that meet their individual needs and goals.
All students are required to study English.
Individual counselling and monitoring of subject choices takes place in consultation with school personnel, including the Careers Adviser, Stage Coordinator and Head Teachers, to ensure each student undertakes an appropriate pattern of study.
In courses where extensions are available, students are encouraged to enter the highest level of which they are capable. These include: Extension 1 and 2 English, Extension 1 and 2 Mathematics, History and Music.
Senior students are encouraged to be actively involved in their school by participation in grade sport, Students’ Representative Council, by accepting the office of Prefect, or by participating in any of the large range of co-curricular activities on offer and undertaking community service.
Helping students progress
We support every student’s academic progress by:
- checking their progress and giving clear and timely feedback
- setting learning goals with each student
- giving extra help with personalised plans and support from specialist staff
- reporting on each student’s learning progress so parents and carers know how their child is doing
- providing targeted literacy and numeracy support in small groups
- making wellbeing part of everyday learning
- working with families to support learning at home and school
- helping students through transitions, like starting school or moving to a new stage of learning.
Learn more about additional learning support at our school.
Want to know more about our subjects?
We can connect you with the right teacher or staff member.